ATLS practice 2022 Questions with All the Correct
Answers
Assessed first in trauma patient Correct Answer- Airway
(*)Degree of burn that is characterized by bone involvement Correct Answer- Fourth
Complications of he
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ATLS practice 2022 Questions with All the Correct
Answers
Assessed first in trauma patient Correct Answer- Airway
(*)Degree of burn that is characterized by bone involvement Correct Answer- Fourth
Complications of head trauma Correct Answer- Intracerebral hematoma
Extradural hematoma
Brain abscess
Most common cause of laryngotracheal stenosis Correct Answer- Trauma
Intervention that can help prevent development of acute renal failure Correct Answer- Infusion of
normal saline
A 26-year-old male is resuscitated with blood transfusion after a motor vehicle collision that was
complicated by a fractured pelvis. A few hours later, the patient becomes febrile, hypotensive with a
normal CVP, and oliguric. Upon examination, the patient is found to be bleeding from the NG tube and
IV sites. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hemorrhagic shock
B. Acute adrenal insufficiency
C. Fat embolism syndrome
D. Transfusion reaction Correct Answer- D. Transfusion reaction
Skin antiseptic Correct Answer- -Ethanol 70% is an effective skin antiseptic
-Acetic acid can be used to treat Gram- skin infections
-Salicylic acid is used to treat certain skin yeast infections
Class IV hemorrhage indicates what % blood loss Correct Answer- 55%How does shivering affect body temperature Correct Answer- Increases body temperature
Class III hemorrhage indicates what % of blood loss Correct Answer- 35%
Management of a stable patient with kidney contusion Correct Answer- Observation
Associated with hypovolemic shock Correct Answer- -Inadequate tissue perfusion with resultant tissue
hypoxia
-Blood shunting to vital organs
-Decreased circulating blood volume and decreased venous return
-Low cardiac output
-Loss of less than 20% of the blood volume is usually without symptom except for mild tachycardia
-Patients become orthostatic with losses between 20 and 40%
-Shock is evidenced by tachycardia, hypotension, oliguria, flat neck veins
The most effective method of monitoring the success of resuscitation during CPR? Correct AnswerReactivity of pupils to light
Used to ensure correct placement of endotracheal tube Correct Answer- -Ultrasound
-Bilateral breath sounds
-Sustained end-tidal CO2
Total body surface area involved in a burn in an adult to the anterior chest and abdomen Correct
Answer- 18%
What is often caused by carotid massage? Correct Answer- Bradycardia
Step in a patient diagnosed with tension pneumothorax Correct Answer- 1. Needle decompression/
thoracotomy2. Chest tube
True statements regarding diaphragmatic injuries Correct Answer- -Blunt diaphragmatic injuries are
usually associated with skeletal trauma
-Penetrating diaphragmatic injuries may be missed
-Repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries usually does not require prosthetic material
First priority in the treatment of an unconscious patient Correct Answer- Checking the pulse
A patient involved in a road accident is brought to the emergency department in an unconscious state.
On arrival, her vitals show a temperature of 96.4 degrees Fahrenheit, a respiration rate of 24 breaths
per minute, a heart rate of 140 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg. She is cold,
shivering, and perspiring profusely. She has bilateral reactive pupils but she does not respond to pain.
On physical examination, she has no obvious sign of external bleeding. Which of the following cannot be
the cause of hypotension in this patient?
A. Pelvic fracture
B. Fracture of femur
C. Intracranial hemorrhage
D. Hemothorax Correct Answer- C. Intracranial hemorrhage
A patient suffered a slash to his right neck. The wound is over the mid-portion of the
sternocleidomastoid. There is a large hematoma and brisk bleeding when uncovered. He is stable. What
is the next step in management?
A. Get an angiogram
B. Close the wound in the ER
C. Take him to the operating room
D. CT scan to evaluate neck structure Correct Answer- C. Take him to the OR
After abdominal injury, which of the following urinalysis findings would be an indication for further
testing?
A. 0-5 casts/HPF
B. 5-10 WBC/HPFC. 10-20 RBC/HPF
D. Gross hematuria Correct Answer- D. Gross hematuria
A laceration of the neck superficial to the deep cervical fascia along the sternocleidomastoid muscle at
its midpoint would cause bleeding from which structure? Correct Answer- External jugular vein
Clinical features associated with tension pneumothorax Correct Answer- Unilateral decrease in breath
sounds
Hyperresonance
Respiratory distress
Tachycardia
Tracheal shift
Desatruation
Decreased breath sounds
Decreased compliance
Asymmetric chest movement
NOT hypertension, audible bronchial sounds
Not recommended as a mode of ventilation for a patient with a diaphragmatic hernia
A. Bag and mask
B. LMA
C. Endotracheal intubation
D. Jet ventilation Correct Answer- A. Bag and mask
What is the next step in the assessment of a traumatic patient after airway is established? Correct
Answer- Breathing
Blood group that is considered a universal donor Correct Answer- OA provider is examining a patient who sustained a severe traumatic head injury. He documents no Doll's
eyes. What does this signify? Correct Answer- Brainstem injury
Which of the following is the least preferred method of administering IV fluids?
A. Cubital veins
B. Cephalic veins
C. Subclavian veins
D. Saphenous vein Correct Answer- Subclavian veins
Dermatome level for nipple sensation
Dermatome level for umbilicus Correct Answer- T4
T10
At which temperature would a hypothermic patient stop shivering? Correct Answer- 88 degrees F
What is the energy recommendation for the first defibrillation in an adult (*) Correct Answer- 300 J
Pharmacologic effects of Morphine Correct Answer- Behavioral changes
Analgesia
Respiratory depression
NOT diarrhea
A patient with which condition should be triaged to receive medical attention first?
A. Choking
B. Dizziness
C. Leg crampD. Vomiting Correct Answer- A. Choking
For pediatric patients, what volume of fluid resuscitation should be given initially in the setting of shock?
A. 750 mL of saline uniformly
B. 1 liter of saline
C. 20 mL/kg of 0.45% NaCl with 5% glucose
D. 10 to 20 mL/kg of Ringers lactate Correct Answer- D. 10 to 20 mL/kg of Ringers lactate
A patient is found unconscious after a fire in his bedroom. He is found to have severe burns around his
face. What is the first aspect of treatment?
A. Tetanus toxoid
B. Cover the wound
C. Airway
D. Obtain blood work Correct Answer- C. Airway
Basilar skull fracture Correct Answer- PE: raccoon eyes, battle sign, CSF ottorrhea (rhinorrhea), loculated
pneumoencephalocele
Bone MC involved = Temporal
A patient with von Willebrand disease is bleeding after sustaining a knife wound. Which of the following
is most appropriate for the treatment of this patient?
A. Vitamin K
B. Cryoprecipitate
C. Protamine
D. DDAVP Correct Answer- D. DDAVP
What is the total body surface area involved in a burn to both lower extremities? Correct Answer- 36%
Which injury is most common in rear end motor vehicle accidents?A. Cervical fractures
B. Hypextension-hyperflexion neck injuries
C. Forearm fractures
D. Rotational neck injuries Correct Answer- B. Hypextension-hyperflexion neck injuries
What is true about an unrestrained pregnant driver?
A. She is at increased risk of placenta previa
B. She is at increased risk of placental abruption
C. At 33 weeks, her fetus is well protected by an amniotic fluid cushion and thus the pregnancy is not at
risk
D. If the mother's vital signs are stable, complications are unlikely Correct Answer- B. She is at increased
risk of placental abruption
In adults, an aspirated foreign body is most likely to get stuck in the:
A. Left main bronchus
B. Carina
C. Right main bronchus
D. Esophagus Correct Answer- C. Right main bronchus
Skin finding characteristic of second-degree burns Correct Answer- Blisters
Which is true regarding cervical spine fractures?
A. Seen most commonly in elderly females
B. Athletic activities are the most common cause
C. Falls are the most common cause
D. Methylprednisolone should not be used in associated spinal cord injury in the first 48 hours Correct
Answer- D. Methylprednisolone should not be used in associated spinal cord injury in the first 48 hours
In which patients can an oropharyngeal airway be used? Correct Answer- Non-gag reflexIf a trauma patient has clear fluid draining from the nose the provider should do which of the following?
A. Tilt the head back
B. Apply pressure
C. Collect the fluid
D. Insert nasal tampons Correct Answer- C. Collect the fluid
What is the estimated time a person's brain can be anoxic from cardiopulmonary failure and not
develop permanent brain damage?
A. 10 minutes
B. 5 minutes
C. 2 minutes
D. 20 minutes Correct Answer- B. 5 minutes
The laryngeal mask airway is contraindicated in patients with what condition?
A. Spine injury
B. Head trauma
C. Giving birth
D. Propensity to aspirate Correct Answer- D. Propensity to aspirate
A patient sustains blunt trauma to the back and left leg. Vital signs in the emergency department show
temperature 36 degrees C, BP 120/80 mm Hg, heart rate 92, respirations 19, GCS 15. There is bilateral
lower extremity paraplegia, T12 sensory level, and decreased rectal tone. Hemoglobin is 14.2 and the
same in one hour. Which of the following tests is best for diagnosing an intraperitoneal bleed?
A. Abdominal ultrasound
B. Laparotomy
C. KUB
D. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage Correct Answer- A. Abdominal ultrasound
Why is tracheostomy generally not performed at the first cartilage ring
A. The trachea is too narrowB. A high chance of subglottic stenosis
C. A high chance of tracheo-innominate artery fistula
D. Inability to access the area Correct Answer- B. A high chance of subglottic stenosis
What does a carotid pulse indicate?
A. A functioning pump for blood flow
B. The circulating blood volume is reaching end organs
C. Diastolic blood pressure
D. None of the above Correct Answer- B. The circulating blood volume is reaching end organs
Which of the following generally causes hemorrhage associated with pelvic fractures?
A. Obturator artery injury
B. Superior gluteal artery
C. Lateral sacral artery injury
D. Venous bleeding Correct Answer- D. Venous bleeding
Hemothorax facts Correct Answer- -Must have at least 500 cc of blood to make a diagnosis on chest xrayin an adult
-Incomplete evacuation of hemothorax can lead to empyema
-Initial treatment of hemothorax is always a chest tube
In a 66 year old intubated, comatose patient, what is one of the most important information that one
needs to obtain?
A. Organ donation status
B. Power of attorney
C. Lawyer
D. Driver's license Correct Answer- B. Power of attorney
A patient is hit by a car and has severe injuries to his extremities. He is immediately brought to the
emergency room by EMS. Evaluation reveals that he has multiple organ injuries. He has an open, gapingwound which measures 2 x 2 centimeters, just below the right knee. The leg appears dislocated and
ecchymotic. However, pulses are present in the distal extremity. He does not complain of any
paresthesias. X-ray reveals that there is a fracture of the tibia. The trauma team is called. As their arrival
is awaited, which of the following should NOT be done to help manage this patient?
A. Obtain culture and close wound using a sterile technique
B. Don't reduce the dislocation
C. Give tetanus toxoid/booster shot
D. Give antibiotics Correct Answer- A. Obtain culture and close wound using a sterile technique
During resuscitation, your intubated patient's intravenous fluid infiltrates. You know that you may
deliver the following drugs via the endotracheal tube: Correct Answer- Lidocaine
Atropine
Naloxone
Epinephrine
Prior to tracheobronchial suctioning, the patient should receive:
A. 5cc normal saline lavage
B. Be placed on NPO status
C. 100% oxygen prior to suctioning
D. Versed 1 mg/mL Correct Answer- C. 100% oxygen prior to suctioning
In a patient with a pneumothorax following a stab wound, the chest tube is best inserted at which level?
Correct Answer- Between the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces, just anterior to the mid axillary line
Indications for a CT scan of the head in trauma patients Correct Answer- -Glasgow coma scale score of
less than 14
-Evidence of basilar skull fracture
-Amnesia lasting more than 30 minutes
Most common Emergency Medical Services pediatric calls Correct Answer- -Seizures
-Respiratory problems-Trauma
Treatments utilized in a patient with head trauma and raised intracranial pressure Correct Answer- -
Elevation of the head
-Sedation
-Use of diuretics
NOT fluid restriction
How deep should the provider depress the patient's sternum during CPR in adults? Correct Answer- 2 to
3 inches
First parameter to change in patient's with hypovolemic shock?
A. Systolic blood pressure
B. Pulse rate
C. Respiratory rate
D. Skin vasoconstriction Correct Answer- B. Pulse rate
A 34-year-old with severe head trauma and elevated intracranial pressures is intubated. Which of the
following should be the target for mechanical ventilation? Correct Answer- Set PaCO2 between 30-35
A young motorcycle driver is thrown against a concrete bridge and sustains severe trauma about the
face, with marked deformity and bleeding. Which of the following statements regarding this scenario is
TRUE?
A. Cervical spine evaluation takes precedence over facial injuries
B. LeFort fractures rarely cause severe hemorrhage
C. Nasotracheal intubation must be done urgently to prevent airway obstruction
D. Plain radiographs are preferred to CT in emergencies Correct Answer- A. Cervical spine evaluation
takes precedence over facial injuries
Which US industry has the highest accidental death rate?A. Construction
B. Agriculture
C. Manufacturing
D. Transportation Correct Answer- B. Agriculture
Subdural hematoma facts Correct Answer- Etiology: tearing of bridging veins
-Most common in elderly individuals who fall
-Hematoma should be evacuated surgically
-Prognosis is much better for chronic subdurals than acute cases
-More common than epidural hematomas
NOT often associated with skull fractures
An 8-year old child is brought to the ER after being struck by a car while crossing the street. He is not
alert and required immediate intubation at the scene by EMS. His GCS is 8 T. He appears to have a
significant laceration of his scalp on the left side but there are no skeletal fractures. The initial chest xray revealed a right sided pneumothorax and a chest tube was inserted. His hematocrit is 23.5 and
hemoglobin is 7.6. The next thing you would do is:
A. CT head
B. CT abdomen
C. Repeat blood work
D. Observe patient Correct Answer- B. CT abdomen
Class I hemorrhage indicates what percentage of blood loss? Correct Answer- 10%
Which is not a clinical component of the Glasgow Coma Score?
A. Eye movement
B. Sensation
C. Verbal responseD. Extremity movement Correct Answer- B. Sensation
How should epinephrine should be injected for treatment of anaphylaxis? Correct AnswerIntramuscularly (IM) into vastus lateralis
How would a patient with a change in mental status would be triaged using the simple triage and rapid
treatment (START)?
A. Delayed
B. Immediate
C. Minor
D. Critical Correct Answer- B. Immediate
Appropriate site for insertion of a subclavian line Correct Answer- -One centimeter inferior to the
junctions of the middle and medial third of the clavicle
-One fingerbreadth lateral to the angle of the clavicle
-Inferior to the clavicle @ deltopectoral groove, lateral to the midclavicular line
In head trauma, the majority of patients with post-traumatic CSF otorrhea:
A. Need surgery
B. Should be started on antibiotics
C. Heal spontaneously
D. Develop meningitis Correct Answer- C. Heal spontaneously
Uncal herniation Correct Answer- PE: Biot breathing, dilated and fixed pupil (out and down)
Nerves affected: 3rd, 4th, parasympathetic input
Laryngeal mask is usually seated over the which structure?
A. Tonsils
B. EsophagusC. Vallecula
D. Pyriform fossa Correct Answer- D. Pyriform fossa
Patterns of injury seen in spinal cord trauma Correct Answer- -Central cord syndrome
-Anterior cord syndrome
-Brown-Sequard syndrome
Should be avoided in patient with suspected nasal fracture Correct Answer- Nasal intubation
What is the best way to evaluate a cardiac contusion?
A. CT scan of the chest
B. Echocardiogram
C. ECG monitoring x 24 hours
D. Cardiac enzymes Correct Answer- C. ECG monitoring x 24 hours
Cerebral contusions Correct Answer- May happen opposite to the point of impact
An 18-year-old is thrown off his motorbike on a slippery road. At the scene, what is the first priority in
the management of this patient?
A. Assess vital signs
B. Stabilize cervical spine
C. Assess airway
D. Start IV fluids Correct Answer- C. Assess airway
Normal adult respiratory rate Correct Answer- 12-20 breaths per minute
Scapular fracture Correct Answer- -Usually requires a tremendous force to fracture
-May be uneasily visible on plain xray
-Treatment requires prolonged immobilization-Usually associated with other chest injuries
A patient suffers a stab wound to the chest. In the emergency room, he is found to have an 80 percent
pneumothorax with a midline shift of the trachea to the contralateral chest. There is evidence of
circulatory and respiratory dysfunction. What is the next step in the management of this patient?
A. Endotracheal tube
B. Fluid bolus
C. Epinephrine
D. 20 gauge needle Correct Answer- D. 20 gauge needle
Flail chest Correct Answer- Mediastinum is pulled toward affected side during expiration
Epidural hematoma Correct Answer- MC due to injury of Middle meningeal artery
Temporoparietal = area that has most epidural hematomas from trauma
-Can be intracranial or intraspinal (may follow LP)
-Often associated with skull fractures
7-year-old girl is found at the bottom of a swimming pool. Initially she was in full arrest but after 5
minutes she showed sinus tachycardia but no respiratory effort. Intubation was done in the field and
cervical collar placed. After transport to the emergency department she was unresponsive with a blood
pressure of 100/60 mmHg, pulse 105, temperature 34.3C, and oxygen saturation 100%. The pupils were
3 mm and sluggishly responsive to light. There is no response to pain. The lungs show wheezing on the
left and coarse breath sounds bilaterally. The monitor shows sinus tachycardia. There is no rectal tone.
Which of the following should be the next step in management?
A. Cervical spine films and CT of the head B. Portable chest radiograph
C. Arterial blood gas
D. Right and left decubitus chest radiographs Correct Answer- A. Cervical spine films and CT of the head
Position patient should be transported in when patient complains of neck pain and is 32 weeks pregnant
Correct Answer- Supine on a backboard with her right hip elevatedAir embolism Correct Answer- PE: murmur, petechiae, desaturation
Tx: turn patient on left side in Trendelenburg position
Fat embolism Correct Answer- MCC = bone fx
Clinical presentation
-Fever
-Petechial hemorrhage
-Desaturation
-Hypotension
-Altered mental status
Cauda equina syndrome Correct Answer- -Bilateral sciatica
-Bowel dysfunction
-Saddle sensory changes
At what point should hyper oxygenation be administered when performing tracheal suctioning on a
mechanically ventilated patient?
A. Before the procedure
B. After the procedure
C. Before and after the procedure
D. During the procedure Correct Answer- C. Before and after the procedure
Nerve to muscle relationship Correct Answer- C5 - Deltoid
C6 - Wrist extension
C7 - Elbow extensionMost common cause of kidney injuries Correct Answer- Motor vehicle accidents
Crystalloid solutions Correct Answer- Ringer's lactate
Dextrose 5%
D5W plus 1/2 NS
NOT albumin
Indication for emergency thoracotomy
A. Pulmonary contusion
B. Flail chest
C. Hemothorax with initial blood loss of 700 cc
D. Lung collapse with an air leak Correct Answer- D. Lung collapse with an air leak
Studies used for a patient with widened mediastinum after injury Correct Answer- CT scan
Upper endoscopy
Transesophageal ultrasound
Pericardial tamponade Correct Answer- Muffled heart sound
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